An unappreciated role for RNA surveillance

BACKGROUND: Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a eukaryotic mRNA surveillance mechanism that detects and degrades mRNAs with premature termination codons (PTC(+ )mRNAs). In mammals, a termination codon is recognized as premature if it lies more than about 50 nucleotides upstream of the final intron position. More than a third of reliably inferred alternative splicing events in humans have been shown to result in PTC(+ )mRNA isoforms. As the mechanistic details of NMD have only recently been elucidated, we hypothesized that many PTC(+ )isoforms may have been cloned, characterized and deposited in the public databases, even though they would be targeted for degradation in vivo. RESULTS: We analyzed the human alternative protein isoforms described in the SWISS-PROT database and found that 144 (5.8% of 2,483) isoform sequences amenable to analysis, from 107 (7.9% of 1,363) SWISS-PROT entries, derive from PTC(+ )mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: For several of the PTC(+ )isoforms we identified, existing experimental evidence can be reinterpreted and is consistent with the action of NMD to degrade the transcripts. Several genes with mRNA isoforms that we identified as PTC(+ )- calpain-10, the CDC-like kinases (CLKs) and LARD - show how previous experimental results may be understood in light of NMD

Effect of Stocking Rate on Growing Juvenile Sunshine Bass, Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis, in an Outdoor Biofloc Production System

The biofloc technology production system is a production intensifying management strategy used primarily for culturing tilapia and penaeid shrimp, both of which can consume the biofloc. Other fish can be grown in biofloc systems because the biofloc serves to maintain water quality, metabolizing the ammonia excreted by intensively fed fish. A dose-response study was conducted in an outdoor biofloc system to begin quantifying the stocking rate-production function for sunshine bass, Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis, advanced fingerlings. Sunshine bass (2.9 ± 0.2 g/fish) were stocked into tanks at 50 to 250 fish/m2 in 50 fish/m2 increments. After 94 days, gross yields ranged from 1.4 to 3.1 kg/m3 and were independent of stocking rate. Harvested fish were separated into two size groups: smaller than 115 mm total length (target fish) and larger than 115 mm TL (jumper fish). Target fish increased linearly from 62% to 93% and jumpers decreased linearly from 38% to 7% of the population, respectively, as stocking rate increased. The outdoor biofloc system offers potential for intensifying the production of advanced sunshine bass fingerlings, but feed consumption appeared to be impeded by high total suspended solids concentrations. Further research is needed to optimize stocking rates and solids management

Quantum Collective QCD String Dynamics

The string breaking model of particle production is extended in order to help explain the transverse momentum distribution in elementary collisions. Inspired by an idea of Bialas', we treat the string using a collective coordinate approach. This leads to a chromo-electric field strength which fluctuates, and in turn implies that quarks are produced according to a thermal distribution.Comment: 6 pages. Presented at SQM 2006. Submitted to J. Phys. G for publication in proceedings. Vers. 2: Minor revisions; final hadron spectrum calculation include

The Relationship of Metabolic Syndrome and Aerobic Exercise in Adult Male Fire Fighters

Previous studies have concluded that incidence of Metabolic Syndrome may be greater in male firefighters than in the US male population. A recent study reported that approximately 31% of firefighters were positive for Metabolic Syndrome; compared to 24% for the U.S. male population (NCEPIII). Participation in aerobic exercise may decrease the risk of Metabolic Syndrome as cardiac risk factors are improved. This study aims to determine the effect of aerobic exercise participation on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a sample of male firefighters. Purpose: To examine the effect of aerobic exercise participation on the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in a sample of adult male firefighters. Methods: As a part of an annual physical exam, 177 male firefighters (average age=36) participated in an evaluation of risk factors associated with Metabolic Syndrome as defined by NCEP III. Metabolic Syndrome is defined as having the presence of three or more of the following: Waist circumference \u3e 40”, HDL Cholesterol \u3c 40 mg/dl, Triglycerides \u3e 150 mg/dl, Blood Glucose \u3e 110 mg/dl and resting blood pressure \u3e 130/85 mm Hg. Aerobic exercise participation was determined by self reported activity from a standard health history questionnaire. Subjects were classified for aerobic exercise participation as: aerobic exercise participation of less than or equal to 1 day per week (LOW), 2 to 3 days per week (MOD), and aerobic exercise participation greater than or equal to 4 days per week (HIGH). Results: The subjects were divided into groups based on the level of weekly aerobic activity. All data were analyzed using a Chi Square test (p \u3c 0.05). Of the 177 firefighters tested 46.3% (82) reported LOW, 48% (85) reported MOD, and 5.6% (10) reported HIGH weekly aerobic activity. The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome for LOW was 25.6% (21) while the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome for MOD was 15.3% (13). No one in the HIGH group met the criteria for Metabolic Syndrome. Conclusion: Participation in aerobic exercise appears to affect the incidence of metabolic syndrome in adult male fire fighters

Predicting VO2max in Collegiate American-Style Football Athletes

Introduction: Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is an important measurement for athletic performance. A common method of VO2max prediction is the Foster equation (MSSE, 1996). This equation produces accurate predictions in a normal population, however, significant difference has been noted between predicted and measured VO2max values when testing athletes. While other studies have produced new equations for athletes in general or even for soccer players, to our knowledge none have made one specifically for American-style football players. Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop an accurate VO2max prediction equation for collegiate American-style football athletes for testing on the treadmill with the standard Bruce protocol. Methods: Over 13 years, a total of 413 collegiate American football players (age: 18.5±1.15 yrs, height: 186.8±7.0 cm, weight 102.1±20.8 kg) were assessed for VO2max (Medical Graphics, Corp® Metabolic Cart) using the standard Bruce treadmill protocol. Linear regression analysis (JMP v. 12) determined which factor out of height, weight, or time spent on the test had a greater impact on VO2max. The linear regression analysis of the most significant factor against VO2max produced a prediction equation. Predicted VO2max was calculated using these data in both the Foster equation and this novel equation. Predicted values were compared to actual measured values with a t-test. α=0.05 for all statistical tests. Results: Of all the factors, time had the strongest relationship (p\u3c0.0001; r2=0.6464). The linear regression between VO2max and time produced a prediction equation: VO2max= -3.546 + 3.904(time in minutes). Both the Foster equation and this new equation were significantly and positively correlated with the actual VO2max values (Foster=0.805, New r=0.804). However, t-tests indicate that the Foster equation results were significantly different from the measured values (p=0.0007), and the new model’s results were not significantly different (p=1.0). Conclusion: The Foster equation is not a reliable predictor of VO2max as assessed on a treadmill in collegiate American-style football athletes. This new equation is more accurate to predict VO2max in this population

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING DATA ACQUISISTION CAPABILITY IN SPECTROSCOPIC ROTATABLE ELEMENT, ROTATING ELEMENT, MODULATION ELEMENT, AND OTHER ELLIPSOMETER AND POLARIMETER AND THE LIKE SYSTEMS

Disclosed is a System and method for controlling polarization State determining parameters of a polarized beam of light in an ellipSometer or polarimeter and the like System, (e.g. a modulation element ellipsometer System), So that they are in ranges wherein the Sensitivity, (of a Sample system characterizing PSI and DELTA value monitoring detector used to measure changes in Said polarization State resulting from interaction with a “composite Sample System,” comprised of a Sample System per Se.. and a beam polarization State determining variable retarder, to noise and measurement errors etc. therein), is reduced. The present invention allows determining Sample System per Se.. characterizing PSI and DELTA values, from Composite Sample System characterizing PSI and DELTA values, by compensating for the presence of present invention components, (VR1) and/or VR2), added to an ellipsometer or polarimeter and the like System. The present invention also improves the ability of an ellipSometer or polarimeter and the like System fitted with present invention components (VR1) and/or (VR2) to provide uSably accurate and precise Sample System characterizing PSI and DELTA determining data values, wherein a Sample System per Se.. investigating polarized beam of light is oriented at other than a Principal or Brewster Angle of Incidence thereto, the use of which Angle of Incidence would otherwise be difficult, if not impossible. Practice of the present invention also allows determination of the “Handedness” of a polarized beam of light, and of sample system Jones or Mueller Matrix component values. As well, the present invention provides means for making System components (VR1) and/or (VR2) added to an ellipsometer or components (VR1) and/or (VR2) added to an ellipsometer or parent when desired, without removal thereof from said ellipsometer or polarimeter System

Hypoxia affects performance traits and body composition of juvenile hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis)

Performance traits and body composition of juvenile hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis) in response to hypoxia were evaluated in replicate tanks maintained at constant dissolved oxygen concentrations that averaged 23.0 ± 2.3%, 39.7 ± 3.0%, and 105.5 ± 9.5% dissolved oxygen saturation. Fish were fed a commercially formulated feed daily to apparent satiation. Total feed intake and fish growth and yield increased linearly in response to increased dissolved oxygen concentration. Nutrient utilization was reduced significantly only at the greatest level of hypoxia. With the exception of whole-body protein content, whole body compositional indices and nutrient retention efficiencies were linearly related to dissolved oxygen concentration. Results demonstrate that as hypoxia becomes more severe, juvenile hybrid striped bass feed intake is reduced, which affects growth and nutrient retention

Hypoxia Affects Performance Traits and Body Composition of Juvenile Hybrid Striped Bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis)

Performance traits and body composition of juvenile hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis) in response to hypoxia were evaluated in replicate tanks maintained at constant dissolved oxygen concentrations that averaged 23.0 ± 2.3%, 39.7 ± 3.0%, and 105.5 ± 9.5% dissolved oxygen saturation. Fish were fed a commercially formulated feed daily to apparent satiation. Total feed intake and fish growth and yield increased linearly in response to increased dissolved oxygen concentration. Nutrient utilization was reduced significantly only at the greatest level of hypoxia. With the exception of whole-body protein content, whole body compositional indices and nutrient retention efficiencies were linearly related to dissolved oxygen concentration. Results demonstrate that as hypoxia becomes more severe, juvenile hybrid striped bass feed intake is reduced, which affects growth and nutrient retention

DEXA Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Weakly Related in Police Officers

There is currently little research on whether fat mass and distribution is a predictive factor of cardiovascular risk. PURPOSE: To determine if obesity measures, such as fat mass and distribution (android vs gynoid), could be used to predict cardiovascular risk, particularly lipid levels, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and blood glucose. Our hypothesis was that fat mass is not an accurate predictor of these cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: 182 police officers (166 males, 16 females; age 37.6±8.1 yrs; ht 1.7±0.1 m; wt 92.2±17.8 kg; BMI 28.9±4.8) were part of an annual cardiovascular risk profile testing group. We measured resting heart rate and blood pressure, and body composition via DEXA scan (SBP 127.16±10.33 mmHg; fat mass 26.85±9.99 kg; lean mass 62.01±9.90 kg; percent android fat 35.54±10.07; percent gynoid fat 29.65±6.91). Fasting blood samples were drawn and analyzed by a clinically certified lab to determine total blood cholesterol (TC) (191.79±37.31 mg/dL), LDL (119.23±34.74 mg/dL), HDL (46.39±10.48 mg/dL), triglycerides (128.94±99.25 mg/dL), and glucose (86.67±18.65 mg/dL). Correlations were determined by using a bivariate Pearson correlation matrix, significance was set at and p\u3c0.01**. RESULTS: As fat mass increased, total cholesterol and LDL increased and HDL decreased. Triglycerides, glucose, and SBP also increased as fat mass increased. There were also significant increases in total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, glucose and SBP as android fat percentage increased. HDL decreased significantly as android fat percentage increased. CONCLUSION: Fat mass weakly correlates with blood cholesterol levels. We suggest that factors other than fat mass affect cholesterol, such as genetics and lifestyle. More research is needed to see if this correlation holds or is stronger in similar and different populations

Prediction of the Total Energy Cost of an Acute Bout of Resistance Exercise in Young Men and Women

Prediction of the Total Energy Cost of an Acute Bout of Resistance Exercise in Young Men and Women Brad S. Lambert†, Steven E. Martin‡, John S. Green‡ (FACSM), Aaron F. Carbuhn†, Stephen F. Crouse‡ (FACSM). Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (Sponsor S.F. Crouse) ACSM currently recommends resistance training (RT) for each major muscle group at least 2 times per week with a traditional repetition range of 8-12 per set. Because many investigators as well as fitness professionals consider kcal expenditure when creating training protocols, energy costs during both RT and aerobic training must be considered. PURPOSE: To develop a regression equation to predict kcal expenditure for a RT bout involving each major muscle group using VO2max, height, weight, lean body mass, fat mass, and total exercise volume (TV=sets*reps*wt) as independent variables. METHODS: Twelve subjects (7 men, 5 women, age 21-25 yrs) were tested using the standard Bruce treadmill protocol for VO2max, and strength tested to determine their 3-5 repetition max (RM) on Keiser® RT equipment 1 week prior to their experimental RT bout. Body composition was assessed using DEXA. For their experimental RT bout, a warm-up set followed by 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps at 60-70% predicted 1RM were performed for each exercise. Each set was started every two minutes. Exercises progressed in the following order: leg press, chest press, leg curl, lat pull, leg ext., triceps ext., biceps curl. Oxygen consumption was measured continuously throughout the RT bout using an automated metabolic cart. Multiple Linear Regression was used to determine the best model for prediction of kcal consumption. Results: Mean kcal expenditure for the entire RT bout was 221.8±20.65 kcal (men = 272±36 & women = 150±16) with a mean kcal cost of 26.32-38.94 per exercise. Large muscle group/multi-joint exercises had the highest total kcal expenditures as expected. Collinearity diagnostics from the regression revealed that VO2max (L/min) and the square root of TV (TV0.5) were the only predictors needed in the model with all other variables being highly intercorrellated with VO2max (L/min), thus not adding significant improvement to the model. The prediction equation was (p\u3c0.05, R2=0.86): Total kcal = (37.264*VO2max L/min) + (1.087*TV0.5) – 132.488 CONCLUSIONS: VO2max (L/min) and TV0.5 were found to be significant predictors of the energy cost of a RT bout involving each major muscle group. In regards to fitness, performance, and weight management, this equation may aid practitioners and young exercising adults in documenting kcal expenditure from resistance training